Plant Your Garden

Culpeper Chamber of Commerce

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April 6, 2015

Plant Your Garden

Well friends, I think it is finally spring.  The iceberg-sized block of ice in my driveway has melted away, the grass is growing, and the tulip bulbs I planted last fall are beginning to make their appearance.  When I haphazardly buried those little treasures, I knew it would be a while before I would reap the rewards of my efforts. But now I am pleased that I took the time and effort - soon my garden will be scattered with little tulip surprises.

Last week, I did a bit of professional gardening. I attended a conference for chambers of commerce from across the Commonwealth.  My full calendar and busy schedule told me I didn’t have time to participate, but I resisted the easy path of not going--and attended. The agenda was full, informative, and I returned with a few “tulip bulbs” to plant and share.  

Regardless the size of your business or organization, or even if you are a sole proprietor, it is important that you take time to invest in yourself and if applicable, your team to create a performance environment conducive for success.  Try to avoid saying “I’m too busy for that”.  Yes, “time”, however defined in your particular “world of work”, is a valuable resource in today’s fast-paced world, but successful leaders, managers, and entrepreneurs recognize that the cultivation of business growth requires that “time” be so invested.

As you juggle your full calendar and busy schedule, take some “time” to identify areas where training yourself or your employees will lead to enhanced on the job performance--but also understand that productivity is often the result of good play. Take some time to have fun!  I’m not a management guru or one who can sling out the latest leadership buzzwords or catch-phrases, but I do look for ways to help your Chamber staff, and me, add tools to our workplace skills - it always leads to little ‘tulip surprises’!

The Culpeper Chamber of Commerce is hosting the 2015 Professional Development Conference on Thursday, April 23rd at Germanna’s Daniel Technology Center.  This full day  offers affordable education and training for non-profit organizations and small businesses.  Topics will include management, legal issues, branding, board development, and creativity in the workplace.  Jo Ellen Armstrong, of Mary Washington Healthcare, will be the keynote speaker addressing “Leading a Multigenerational Workforce”.  For detailed information on each session and registration go to culpeperchamber.com.  

While gardening isn’t on the Professional Development Conference’s agenda this year, I am certain you will still find a few “tulip bulbs” of your own to plant--I know I will.

Connect Your Dots

Culpeper Chamber of Commerce

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March 30, 2015

On any given rainy day during summer vacation from grade school, I could be found with my big box of 64 Crayola Crayons - complete with sharpener on the back - and one of those giant coloring books.  I would satisfy my creative urge, despite the lack of artistic talent, by coloring, tracing pictures, and my favorite of all - connecting the numbered dots!  Connecting dots #1-74 would always reveal a masterpiece of which any real artist would be proud to affix a signature!  

During a recent babysitting stint with my grandchildren I was once again immersed in another of those activity books with several connect the dots puzzles. This led to reminiscing and a stream of consciousness where I realized how important “dots” are to my life!  My mother’s name was Dot, I love polka dots, candy dots, and the iPad game Dots, and I do my share of dotting i’s while crossing  “t’s”. As that seemingly endless list reached ice cream dots in my mind, I suddenly made the connection (pun intended) that I work to connect dots daily.  

Yes, the Culpeper Chamber of Commerce is a dot connector!  We help draw the lines that connect  businesses with prospective customers and opportunities;  we provide information to potential customers with sources of goods and services; we connect Chamber affiliates with access to a myriad of quality membership services; we help connect Chamber members with the community through monthly newsletters reaching over 10,000 homes and 25,000 readers; we help ensure members remain connected with government through advocacy representation, locally and in Richmond.  In a nutshell, that’s what your Chamber does: facilitate business connections. If I were more of an artist, I could creatively assign individual “dot numbers” to our members, chamber events, and activities that when connected, would reveal a scene depicting the vibrant regional business community and great place to live that is Culpeper County.

Assignment of a “dot number” to your business or organization will ensure you are added to the scene and help you establish and maintain solid connections with customers or suppliers.  Your chamber’s tagline captures the essence of its mission: “Connect * Grow * Prosper”; note the dots between the words and how they connect the concept.  Let your Chamber assist you with the connections that broaden your network and optimally position your business or organization for success.  

Connect with me or Martha Sanford at 540-825-8628 to discuss the benefits of a Chamber membership.  When you do, we’ll make sure you get connected to all the other ‘dots’.  Meanwhile, I’m off to purchase another activity book for my grandkids.  It seems all their connect the dot pages are missing - wonder how that happened?

The Multi-Faceted Culpeper County Library

Culpeper Chamber of Commerce

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March 23, 2015

My mother-in-law, the late Alcidie Stohlman, was an avid reader.  She always had a stack of books sitting on a shelf next to her reading chair waiting to reveal their stories.  Having grown up during the great depression, she learned to rely on her neighborhood library to satisfy her insatiable "guilty pleasure".  Weekly visits to the library were the norm throughout her entire life. She was quick to point out that she had travelled the globe, visited the most inaccessible of places, and carried out conversations with many of the world’s famous and infamous -- simply by turning pages.  She was quick to exclaim that "My ‘library book shelf’ (as she called it) could never support my passion for books!”

I consulted Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary as I was drafting this week’s column to find a definition. I’m sure you have a mental image of that book if you have attained a certain chronological advancement in life, but this time I used the online version found on the Culpeper Library’s website, www.cclva.org.  Merriam-Webster defines “library” as “a place in which literary, musical, artistic, or reference materials are kept for use but not for sale”. Certainly this is a traditional definition that my mother-in-law’s generation would have considered accurate.  But does it truly reflect the mission of a modern 21st century “library” such as what we have here in Culpeper?

I’ve had the pleasure of serving on the board of directors for the Friends of the Culpeper Library.  During my tenure, I learned that the widely used and simple definition of “library” is far too narrow to fully describe the programs available to Culpeper’s residents through our local library.  In addition to the 400,000 books checked out in 2014 over 9,100 people participated in a wide range of adult and children’s programs and more than 33,000 people took full advantage of the internet and computers available without charge. Recently, our library completed a renovation project which added additional study rooms, computer terminals, and improved their used book store.

21st century libraries are more than just book repositories.  They are important to the quality of life in any community and are another ingredient in the virtual gumbo called economic development.  Locally, the Culpeper County Library supports students, assists job-seekers with connection to potential employers, while transporting armchair travelers to far-flung and exotic places.  Our library also helps us understand and appreciate the rich diversity of the region we call home through the breadth and depth of the available programs.

We have quite the resource here in Culpeper. I recommend you stop in sometime soon to explore the library’s offerings.  My mother-in-law would surely endorse it’s quality, and as I see it, that says a lot.  I’m also pretty sure she’d be asking my father-in-law to build her another “library book shelf” next to her reading chair.   

Our Agricultural Heritage

Culpeper Chamber of Commerce

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March 16, 2015

I want to milk a cow.  Not sure why really, it is just one of the items on my bucket list. Maybe it has something to do with all the 'farm' related nursery rhymes of my childhood or watching too many episodes of Green Acres.  I've shared this desire with a few of my agribusiness contacts hoping they would know a cow or two in need of milking, but have been told that I have an overly romanticized view of farm life!  You know the one--red barns, idyllic pastures, and quaint farmhouses with large porches for sitting, guitar strumming or banjo pickin’.  The more I learn of agribusiness, the more I realize that farm life is rewarding, but chock full of hard work and long days.

With more than 111,000 acres of Culpeper County devoted to raising livestock, growing and cultivating various crops, and greenhouse operations, the economic impact of agribusiness can not be overlooked.   Interestingly, Culpeper’s census data indicates that over the last 30 years or so, there has been a 50% increase in the number of farms.  Commensurate with this growth there has also been a reduction in total acres farmed, indicating that the larger farms are being divided into smaller parcels.  This tells me that despite societal changes or demographic shifts, there are still many entrepreneurs willing to embrace the challenges and harvest the rewards of agribusiness in Culpeper County; and we are lucky to have them.

Annually, the Agriculture Council of America (ACA)  organizes a celebration to recognize the amazing abundance provided us all by those farmers, ranchers,  producers and distributors who choose to engage in agribusiness.  This year, March 18th is National Ag Day.  With the theme “Sustaining Future Generations”, the ACA’s message is designed to increase public awareness of the quality and quantity of our Nation’s bounty and the efforts of many to bring it to our tables.

Locally, your Culpeper Chamber of Commerce named Kenny and Edith Anderson and Family the 2015 Agribusiness of the Year.  The Anderson Family has operated their brood cow operation for more than 40 years. We are pleased to recognize their contributions to Culpeper’s agricultural community and congratulate them on the success of their family-run business.

It is easy to take the food supply chain for granted and only see the red barns and green pastures as we drive along Culpeper’s beautiful country roads.  But on March 18th, join me in taking a moment or two to ponder the role of agriculture in today’s modern society. For those of us who have never truly experienced life on a farm, I presume we will always retain that overly romanticized image of that way of life.  But perhaps through the ACA we will better appreciate the true work and level of effort occurring daily.  I know it’s not all porches and pickin’.  I do still want to milk a cow, though.

CulpeperFest 2015

Culpeper Chamber of Commerce

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March 9, 2015

I have an annoying quirk - random songs often swirl around my brain involuntarily for days on end.  While loosely associated with events taking place in my life, melodies and lyrics take-up temporary residence in my frontal lobe from time-to-time.  

For the last week or so, I’ve been stuck in the 1980’s after hearing David Bowie’s song, “Changes”.  Even those not as chronologically advanced as me will almost certainly be able to immediately recall the melody and the lyrics “bridge”  ...  “Ch-ch-ch-ch changes” …  Can you hear it?  Did you just sing it?  

I surmise that this song is stuck in my brain because it has become the unofficial anthem of CulpeperFest 2015.  Since last June, the CulpeperFest Committee has been exploring ideas and concepts to further enhance this highly successful event.  The group tried very hard to avoid saying, “well, that’s the way its always been done”,  or  “it’s not broken, don’t fix it”. We believe we have freshened-up CulpeperFest in a way that will truly connect business to the community.

CulpeperFest will be held Friday, June 12th at Eastern View High School from 3-7pm. Admission will be free with pre-registration at www.culpeperfest.com. In addition to the usual goodies and informational handouts from exhibitors, food and beverages will be available for purchase. A varied line-up of entertainment has been planned along with a selection of short seminars presented by some of our exhibiting businesses.  Yes, this is a big change from previous CulpeperFest formats.  David Bowie’s song was about re-invention, and so is CulpeperFest 2015.  

We have quite a few additional enhancements in the works….watch this column for updates! Uh-oh, Pharrell Williams’ "Happy" just popped in my mind!  I fully expect we will be doing the Happy Dance at CulpeperFest this year.  Hope to see you there!   Interested in exhibiting or food vendor space - go to www.culpeperfest.com or call 540-825-8628.

A Unity of Effort

Culpeper Chamber of Commerce

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March 2, 2015

I certainly go to my share of meetings!  If it weren't for my online calendar, I'd be lost.  I've learned to color code my calendar folders according to committees, councils, and boards.  And of course, I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention the meetings which are pre-meetings to prepare for the meetings to follow!  If I were texting this column, this is where I’d insert the ‘smiley face' or the 'LOL'.   But seriously, nothing beats the value of a face-to-face discussion to avoid miscommunications, lost nuanced quips, or body language interpretations to ensure that all are on the same sheet of music.  Unquestionably, unity of effort is key to the success of any endeavor that involves multiple people, agencies, or organizations.

Recently I attended my first meeting of “Healthy Culpeper”.  The gathering was held in a meeting room at UVA Culpeper Hospital.  When I walked into that room, I could literally feel the collective energy of those in attendance.  There was a palpable passion for making Culpeper an even greater place to live, work, and play; there was unity of effort.

“Healthy Culpeper”, is a nonprofit community-focused coalition devoted to promoting a healthy, safe, and educated community.  Established in 1997 as the result of a community health assessment conducted by Culpeper Regional Hospital, Healthy Culpeper is actively engaged with a diverse network of more than 75 community partners representing a broad slice of the governmental agencies and private organizations that provide social support services or conduct wellness-related programming in the County of Culpeper.  The Culpeper Chamber of Commerce is proud to be included in the list of community partners participating in this forum; we believe in unity of effort. “Healthy Culpeper” is a sterling example of how our friends and neighbors can find common ground and collectively turn aspirations and vision into reality.

Clearly, your Chamber is a business-focused organization.  Having said that, it would be quite myopic to not realize the importance of a “healthy community”, broadly defined.   The overall quality of life or community “health” directly affects efforts to grow existing and attract new businesses.   This is why YOUR Chamber participates in so many meetings, serves on so many committees, and plans community outreach activities.  YOUR Chamber works very hard to not only be a facilitator of, and advocate for, business, but also to function as the catalyst that helps ‘make things happen’.

Culpeper is rich in so many areas; but none so important as the people who call this region home.  Through unity of effort, we can accomplish much.  Follow your passions and participate accordingly; I’ll color code another appointment folder just for you!

What’s Your Story?

Culpeper Chamber of Commerce

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February 23, 2015

Sunday dinners were always a special event during my childhood.  After church, the family would gather around the dining room table, all set with the 'good' china and silverware, and eat the delicious meal my mother had prepared.  The select fare always consisted of a roast, some sort of potato dish and two vegetables.  Tradition dictated my father carve the roast and as he performed this ritual, he would bellow the Christian hymn, 'I Love to Tell the Story.'  My memory recalls these were the only words he would sing before he'd go into a story of his own.  My sisters and I loved to hear his tales of 'back in the day'.  Sometimes I'd catch my mother rolling her eyes at his version of a story - I guess they were often embellished!

Storytelling is an ancient art found in almost every culture around the globe.  Stories can be used to entertain, educate, or to preserve cultural heritages and traditions.  A well crafted story creates connections between the teller and the listener through shared feelings, emotions or events.  

Storytelling has found its way into marketing strategies for business - both big and small. In our homogenous world, the telling of your business's journey to success can create a lasting connection with customers.  Your story is unique and sets you apart from your competition.  Have you taken the time to think about your story and how it could be used as a marketing tool?

The Culpeper Chamber of Commerce is hosting professional storyteller, Kim Weitkamp, at the 3rd Annual Professional Women's Luncheon on Friday, March 13th at Tuscany Hall.  Kim's diverse experience in storytelling for entertainment and marketing will make for a fun and informative event. She will introduce you to the concept of storytelling as a tool to market yourself and your business and she will discuss how it could improve your ability to attract the people and clients that are right for you.

This event is sponsored by Fantastic Sam's, It's Up to You, and Kash Design.  To register for the luncheon visit www.culpeperchamber.com or call 540-825-8628.  The program is open to members, non-members, men and women!  Join us for "What's Your Story?"

Kim will also appear at 'Culpeper Tells...A Festival of Words' on Saturday, March 14th at the State Theatre.  This 2nd annual storytelling festival is sponsored by The Friends of the Culpeper County Library. (www.culpepertells.com)